Rabbits Skin

Question
My rabbit Bugz Bunny has all of a sudden started too get these white flakes that where layed on his skin. I asked my friend who was in 4H about it and she thought it was dry skin or places where his skin had been irritated.Then while giving him a bath with rabbit shampoo i noticed red/pink patches by his rear, and there is no fur there.He is eating and doing everything he normally does.I have no idea what to do with him. Im very scarred for him.Please reply ASAP. Thank you.  

Answer
Dear Sarah,

It sounds as if your bunny might have a case of fur mites (Cheyletiella sp.), and possibly the beginnings of mange or some other skin disorder on his bum.  If his fur is falling out, and the skin is red and irritated, there is the possibility that he's suffering from urine burn.   This could be due to a urinary tract infection or other urinary tract problem, but also can be caused by poor hygiene.  Be sure your bunny is housed in very clean, sanitary, dry conditions where he can get away from his own waste!

To read more about urinary tract problems and urine burn, go to:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/urinary.html

and to keep him clean and safely sanitary, read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/buttbath.html

For information on the safe drugs you can get from your veterinarian to treat mites, read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

DO NOT use Frontline, flea powder, or flea shampoo on a rabbit!  They can be deadly!

To find a good rabbit vet in your area who can help you with proper care and treatment of these problems, please use the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana